The recent surge of nostalgic posts and emotional reactions online can be attributed to the latest episode of Dancing with the Stars.
In a heartfelt tribute during the live dedication show, Julia Stiles honored her former co-star Heath Ledger from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.
Stiles was joined by other cast members from the 1999 teen comedy to remember the late actor.
Stiles and her dance partner, Ezra Sosa, delivered a contemporary routine to the tune of Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli. Sosa described the song choice as a fitting tribute to Ledger’s character serenading Stiles in the movie.
Reflecting on her memories with Ledger, Stiles expressed her sadness despite cherishing the special moments they shared. She mentioned her desire to capture Ledger’s zest for life.
The dance performance concluded with a touching moment as Sosa left Stiles on the dance floor while a photo of her and Ledger was displayed above. Stiles placed a rose beneath the photo and was then joined by her 10 Things co-stars for a heartwarming embrace.
Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa performed a contemporary routine to Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli. (Disney)
After the emotional dance, Stiles shared with host Julianne Hough that the performance evoked memories of her younger self and the carefree spirit she shared with Ledger.
Ledger, who tragically passed away in 2008 at the age of 28, was posthumously honored with an Oscar for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Sosa and Stiles received their highest score of the season with nines across the board for their performance.
The episode featured several other touching tributes, including Tatyana Ali dedicating her dance to her late Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star James Avery, accompanied by another co-star, Alfonso Ribeiro.
Tatyana Ali and Alfonso Ribeiro, who co-starred in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, paid tribute to the late James Avery. (Disney)
Ali and her partner Jan Ravnik performed a Viennese waltz to the song (You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am by Nancy Wilson, a tribute to Avery, whom Ali described as a father figure.
The night was filled with emotional moments as the cast paid homage to their loved ones and former colleagues, creating a poignant and memorable episode.
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